Car construction



Aug. 17, 1943; s. B; HASELTINE 2,327,038

CAR CONSTRUCTION Filed May 15, 1941 HHILH n Patented Aug. 17, 1943 CAR CONSTRUCTION Stacy B. Haseltine,

of Delaware La Grange, Ill., assignor to W. H. Miner, Inc., Chicago,

Ill., a corporation Application May 15, 1941, Serial No. 393,601

13 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in car construction, and more particularly to means for connecting the body and truck bolsters thereof.

The main object of the invention is to provide a combined locking center pin means for connecting the body and truck bolsters of railway cars, composed of a plurality of sections which have shouldered engagement with the bolsters and are held in locked engagement with said shoulders by a central spreading member which holds the sections expanded, wherein the sections are designed to provide relatively great areas of shouldered engagement with the bolsters and a substantially continuous shell formed by the outer sections to increase the ruggedness of the connection between the bolsters and offer exceptional resistance to transverse shearing forces.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide a sectional center pin for connecting the body and truck bolsters of a railway car, comprising a plurality of outer sections and a central filler or spreader element, holding the sections spread apart, wherein the outer sections are provided with flanges at opposite ends thereof having shouldered engagement with the bolsters, and the parts are so proportioned that with all but one of the outer sections in place within the center pin openings of the bolsters and the spreader element omitted, the remaining section when swung inwardly to one side will pass readily through the unoccupied space of said openings to bring the flanges thereof respectively above and below the shoulders of the bolsters, and the pin is locked to the bolsters by said remaining section being swung outwardly to bring the flanges of the same into overlying relation with the shoulders of the bolsters, and the spreader element inserted between the sections to hold the parts of the pin expanded.

Other objects of the invention will more clearly appear from the description and claims hereinafter following.

In the drawing forming a part of this specification, Figure l is a top plan view of a portion of the body bolster of a railway car, illustrating my improvements in connection therewith. Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view through the body and truck bolsters of a car, corresponding substantially to the line 2-2 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged, detailed perspective view of one of the sections of my improved center pin. Figure 4 is a detailed perspective view of the filler or spreader element of the improved pin. Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1, illustrating another embodiment of the invention.

In said drawing i0 designates the body bolster and II the truck bolster of a railway car. The body bolster has diaphragm sections l2-I2, top and bottom walls l3 and I4, and a center section l5 to accommodate the pin. The section I5 is of cylindrical tubular form, as shown, and has an internal inwardly projecting horizontal annular flange l6 between the top and bottom ends thereof, thereby providing a pocket l1 at the top of the bolster adapted to accommodate the head at the upper end of the pin. As will be evident, the annular flange l6 provides a circular opening which is of such a size as to accommodate the shank portion of the center pin. The truck bolster H has top and bottom walls l8 and I9 connected by vertical side webs 2020, and spaced walls 2l--2l connecting the webs 20--2ll. The spaced walls 2l2l define a pocket 22 therebetween which serves to accommodate the bottom head of the center pin connecting the bolsters. The top wall of the truck bolster is provided with an upstanding, hollow, annular flange 23 which projects into and is accommodated within the opening of the cylindrical section i5 of the body bolster ill. The opening defined by the flange 23 is of circular outline and is in axial alignment with the opening defined by the flange iii of the body bolster. These openings, which are defined by the flanges 23 and I6 are of the same diameter and of slightly greater size than the diameter of the shank of the pin. The bottom wall 19 of the bolster II is provided with an opening 24 in axial alignment with the pin receiving openings of the body and truck bolsters, but of somewhat greater diameter than the same. The usual bearing plate or shim 25 is interposed between the body and truck bolsters I0 and II.

Referring first to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, my improved locking center pin comprises broadly three outer sections or members A-A-A and a filter element B in the form of a headed cylindrical pin disposed between said outer members.

The three sections A-A-A of the pin are of similar design, each section having a shank portion 26 extending through the center pin receiving openings of the bolsters, and relatively heavy outstanding horizontal flanges 2'l-2'|, at the opposite ends thereof, which are accommodated in the pockets i1 and 22 of the body and truck bolsters respectively. The flanges 2121 form head portions of the three sections or members AAA and together provide the complete head of the pin. As seen in Figure l. the flanges 2121-21 at the upper ends of the sections AAA are wing-shaped in plan and have convexedly curved outer edge faccs fit between the side wall portions of the pocket 11. The flanges 212121 at the lower ends of the sections A--A--A are similar to the flanges at said upper ends. The shank portion 26 of each member A is of curved transverse cross section, having a convexedly curved outer surface substantially fitting the corresponding wall portions of the center pin openings provided by the flanges I6 and 23 of the body and truck bolsters. The inner surfaces of the shank portions 26 01 said sections are concavely curved to fit the cylindrical shank of the spreader element B. The shanks 26-26-26 of the three sections AA- A, when assembled within the center pin receiving openings of the bolsters, together define a vertically split cylindrical tube or sleeve which is substantially continuous around the pin receiving openings.

As shown most clearly in Figures 2 and 3, the flange 21 at the upper end of each section A is provided with an upstanding eye member 28 adapted to be engaged by a hook or similar tool for manipulating the section.

The filler element or spreader member B, which is in the form of a heavy pin, comprises a cylindrical shank portion 29 and a circular head 30 at the upper end of the shank. The lower end of the shank is tapered off. as indicated at 3|, to facilitate insertion of the pin B between the outer sections AAA of the center pin. The head 30 is provided with an upstanding eye 32 adapted to be engaged by a hook or similar tool for withdrawing the same from between the sections AAA.

The shank of the pin B is of such a diameter that it snugly fits between the three outer sections AAA to hold the flanges thereof in shouldered overlapping relation to the shoulders around the pin openings of the bolsters.

The flanges 2121-21 of the outer sections or members A--AA are cut away at opposite sides. as indicated at 33 and 34, to provide convexedly curved edges so that with two of the sections in place and the fllier element B omitted, the headed ends of the remaining section. when said section is swung inwardly, will pass freely through the unoccupied portions of the center pin openings of the body and truck bolsters, that is. assuming that the two sections AA at the left in Figure l are in place and the filler element B is omitted. the section at the right is positioned to pass through the portions of the center pin openings not occupied, by swinging said section inwardly about the vertical side edge of the shank thereof which is the lower side edge. as viewed in Fi ure 1. until the edge 33 of the flange 21 clears the inner face of the wall of the center pin opening.

In applying my improved center pin to the body and truck bolsters of a car. the three outer sections AAA are inserted in the pin receiving openings of the bolsters in succession and engaged with the shoulders of said bolsters. Each of the two sections first applied is inserted through the openings of the bolsters until the flanges 21-21 thereof are disposed outwardly of or above and below the shoulders of the respective bolsters. The section is then moved laterally outwardly in a direction radial to the pin receiving openings, thus bringing the flanges in overlying relation to the shoulders, as shown most clearly in Figures 1 and 2. After the first two outer sections are in place the third section is inserted in the manner hereinbefore described and then swung outwardly to engage the flanges thereof over the shoulders of the bolsters. The filler element B is then inserted from above between the outer sections to hold the latter expanded and in locked shouldered engagement with the bolsters, the head of the filler element resting on top of the outer sections and being thus held against dropping out from between said sections.

To remove the pin, the filler element B is first withdrawn by lifting the same upwardly by means of a hook engaged with the eye thereof. One of the outer sections A is then swung inwardly, as hereinbefore described, until the flange portions thereof are entirely within the boundaries of the openings in the bolsters. It is then lifted out by means of a hook or other tool engaged with the eye 28 thereof. Each of the remaining two sections is then individually removed by displacing the same laterally inwardly toward the center of the pin receiving openings until the flange 21 clears the wall of said opening, and then lifting the same out of the opening by the eye 28.

Referring next to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 5, the construction is identical with that shown in Figures 1 to 4 inclusive with the exception that the flanges at the opposite ends of the shanks of two of the outer sections of the pin are of greater area than the flanges of the remaining outer section.

The three outer sections of the pin shown in Figure 5 are indicated by C, D, and E, two of these sections, namely the sections C and D, having flanges |21--l21 which are similar to the flanges 2121 hereinbefore described, with the exception that they extend for a greater distance along the width of the shank of the corresponding section and are therefore of greater area than the flanges 2121. The section E is identical with the sections A, hereinbefore described, that is, the flanges 21 thereof are of the same size as the flanges 21 of the sections A so that this section will freely pass through the unoccupied portion of the center pin receiving openings of the bolsters when the sections C and D are in place and the filler element B is omitted.

From the preceding description taken in connection with the drawing, it will be evident that my improved sectional center pin has great advantages over sectional center pins, heretofore known, in that the outer sections are not spaced apart at their adjacent vertical edges in the expanded condition of the pin, but form a continuous shell around the filler element, thus greatly increasing the resistance of the assembled pin to transverse shearing forces.

I have herein shown and described what I now consider the preferred manner of carrying out my invention, but the same is merely illustrative and I contemplate all changes and modifications that come within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

1 claim:

1. In car construction, the combination with body and truck bolsters having aligned center pin receiving openings, each of said bolsters being provided with an annular shoulder adjacent the outer end of the opening thereof; of a sectional center pin in said openings including a vertically split tubular shell composed of three similar outer members, and a filler element holding said outer members spread apart, each of said members being in edge to edge engagement throughout its length with the adjacent member and having heads at opposite ends in shouldered engagement with the shoulders of said bolsters.

2. In car construction, the combination with body and truck bolsters having aligned center pin receiving openings, each of said bolsters being provided with an annular shoulder adjacent the outer end of the opening thereof; of a sectional center pin within said openings, comprising three similar outer members of arcuate transverse cross section, and a cylindrical central spreader element for holding said members expanded, the vertical side edges of said outer members being in contact throughout the lengths of said members, thereby providing a tubular shell, said members having flanges at opposite ends in shouldered engagement with the annular shoulders of the bolsters.

3. In car construction, the combination with body and truck bolsters having aligned center pin receiving openings, each of said bolsters being provided with an annular shoulder adjacent the outer end of the opening thereof; of a vertically split tubular member within said openings, said member comprising a plurality of identical sections in edge to edge contact throughout their lengths along their side edges, each of said sections having flanges at opposite ends thereof overlying the shoulders of said bolsters; and a filler element within said split tubular member supporting the sections thereof against displacement laterally inwardly to the center of sad tubular member.

4. In car construction, the combination with body and truck bolsters having aligned center pin receiving openings, each of said bolsters being provided with an annular shoulder adjacent the outer end of the opening thereof; of a vertically split, three piece sectional cylindrical tubular shell within said openings, each section of said shell being in vertical edge contact with the remaining two sections throughout the lengths of said sections, each section having flanges at opposite ends thereof in shouldered engagement with the shoulders of said bolsters; and a cylindrical filler element filling the interior of said shell and holding the sections thereof against inward displacement.

5. In car construction, the combination with body and truck bolsters having aligned center pin receiving openings, each of said bolsters being provided with an annular shoulder adjacent the outer end of the opening thereof; of a four-piece sectional center pin within said openings, said pin including three identical outer sections in side edge to edge contact with each other throughout their lengths and a central filler element, each of said outer sections having flanges at opposite ends thereof adapted to engage with the shoulders of said bolsters, each of said outer sections being of a size at said flanges to pass freely through the space left in said openings when the filler element is absent and two of said sections are in place within sad openings with the flanges thereof overhanging the shoulders of the blosters and with the outer section which is being inserted rocked about one longitudinal edge thereof to dispose the flanges thereof entirely within the confines of said openings.

6. In car construction, the combination with body and truck bolsters having aligned center pin receiving openings, each of said bolsters being provided with an annular shoulder adjacent the outer end of the opening thereof; of a sectional center pin within said openings, the complete pin comprising three outer sections, each having flanges at opposite ends thereof adapted to overhang and shoulder on the shoulders of said bolsters, and a central flller element holding said outer sections expanded, with the flanges thereof overhanging the bolster shoulders, the flanged ends of a certain one of said outer sections being of a smaller size in cross section than that portion of the center pin openings normally occupied by the filler element and said certain outer section, whereby in assembling the pin with the bolsters, said last named outer section may, alter the other two sections have been placed in normal position in said openings, be placed in said center pin openings by inserting the same lengthwise through that portion of the openings normally occupied by said filler element and said other two sections when said first named section is turned to a position to register the flanged end thereof with said portion of the openings normally occupied by said flller element and said certain outer section.

'7. In car construction, the combination with body and truck bolsters having aligned center pin receiving openings, each of said bolsters being provided with an annular shoulder adjacent the outer end of the opening thereof; of a sectional center pin within said openings, said pin including three outer sections each having flanges at opposite ends thereof adapted to shoulder on the shoulders of said bolsters. and a central filler element holding said outer sections expanded, the flanges of two of said outer sections being of greater size than the flanges of the remaining outer section, the flanges of each of said sections having the larger flanges being of a size to permit the corresponding outer section to pass freely through the center pin openings, and said outer section having the smaller flanges being of a size at said flanges to pass freely hrough the space left in said openings when the filler element is absent and the two outer sections having the larger flanges are in place within said openings and with the outer section having the flanges of smaller size rocked to dispose the flanges thereof entirely within the confines of said center pin openings.

8. In car construction, the combination with body and truck bolsters having aligned center pin receiving openings, each of said bolsters being provided with an annular shoulder adjacent the outer end of the opening thereof; of a fourpiece sectional center pin within said openings, said pin including an outer vertically split tubular shell composed of three sections in edge to edge contact with each other throughout their lengths, each having flanges at opposite ends thereof adapted to shoulder on the shoulders of said bolsters, and a central filler element holding said sections expanded, one of said sections being of a size at said flanges thereof to pass freely through the space left in said openings when the filler element is absent and the two other sections are in place within said openings, and with the outer section which is being inserted rocked to dispose the flanges thereof entirely within the confines of said openings.

9. In car construction, the combination with body and truck bolsters having aligned center pin receiving openings, each of said bolsters being provided with an annular shoulder adjacent the outer end of the opening thereof; of a sectional center pin in said openings including a vertically split tubular shell composed of a plurality of outer members having shank members of like transverse cross section, and a filler element holding said outer members spread apart, each of said members being in edge to edge engagement with the adjacent member throughout the lengths of said shank members of said members and having heads at opposite ends of the shank members thereof in shouldered engagement with the shoulders of said bolsters.

10. In car construction, the combination with body and truck bolsters having aligned center pin receiving openings, each of said bolsters being provided with an annular shoulder adjacent the outer end of the opening thereof; of a vertically split sectional cylindrical tubular shell within said openings, said shell comprising a plurality of sections of similar transverse cross section, said sections being in vertical edge contact with each other throughout their lengths, each section having flanges at opposite ends thereof in shouldered engagement with the shoulders of said bolsters; and a cylindrical filler element filling the interior of said shell and holding the sections thereof against inward displacement.

11. In car construction, the combination with body and truck bolsters having aligned center pin receiving openings, each of said bolsters being provided with an annular shoulder adjacent the outer end of the opening thereof; of a sectional center pin within said openings, said pin including a plurality of identical outer sections in edge to edge contact with each other throughout their lengths and a central filler element, each of said outer sections having flanges at opposite ends thereof adapted to engage with the shoulders of said bolsters, each of said outer sections being of a size at said flanges to pass freely through the space left in said openings when the flller element is absent and all but one of said sections are in place within said openings with the flanges thereof overhanging the shoulders of the bolsters and with the outer section which is being inserted rocked about one longitudinal edge thereof to dispose the flanges thereof entirely within the confines of said openings.

12. In car construction, the combination with body and truck bolsters having aligned center pin receiving openings, each of said bolsters being provided with an annular shoulder adjacent the outer end of the opening thereof; of a sectional center pin within said openings, said pin including a plurality of outer sections each having flanges at opposite ends thereof adapted to shoulder on the shoulders of said bolsters, and a central filler element holding said outer sections expanded, the flanges of all of said outer sections with the exception'of one of said outer sections being of greater size than the flanges of the remaining outer section, the flanges of each of said sections having the larger flanges being of a size to permit the corresponding outer section to pass freely through the center pin openings, and said outer section having the smaller flanges being of a size at said flanges to pass freely through the space left in said openings when the filler element is absent and the outer sections having the larger flanges are in place within said openings and with the outer section having the flanges of smaller size rocked about one of its longitudinal side edges to dispose the flanges thereof entirely within the confines of said center pin openings.

13. In car construction, the combination with body and truck bolsters having aligned center pin receiving openings, each of said bolsters being provided with an annular shoulder adjacent the outer end of the opening thereof; of a sectional center pin within said openings, said pin including an outer vertically split tubular shell composed of a plurality of sections in longitudinal edge contact with each other throughout their lengths, each having flanges at opposite ends thereof adapted to shoulder on the shoulders of said bolsters, and a central filler element holding said sections expanded, with the flanges thereof overhanging the bolster shoulders, the flanged ends of a certain one of said sections being smaller in cross section than that portion of the center pin openings normally occupied by the filler element and the remaining outer sections, whereby in assembling the pin with said bolsters, said certain outer section may, after said remaining outer sections have been placed in normal position in said openings, be placed in said center pin openings by inserting the same lengthwise through that portion of the openings normally occupied by said filler element and said first named section, when said first named section is turned to a position to register the flanged end thereof with said portion of said openings normally occupied by said filler element and said certain outer section.

STACY B. HASELTINE. 

